Molting Broody?

[DaveMorehouse]

Hey all,

We have 6 or 7 year old Easter Egger that has suddenly gone broody in the last week. (We think.) She has also begun molting. (Of that we're certain.) My question - Should I let her sit a clutch of eggs or will doing that during the molt be too hard on her? We have always removed eggs in the past but wanted to hatch chicks this summer. Unfortunately, no one went broody until now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[centrarchid]

Let her finish broody cycle. If you keep good food and water close she will be OK. Progression of molt I think slows when hens are broody.

 

[DaveMorehouse]

Thanks, Centrarchid.

Anyone else with the same thoughts?

Thanks again,
Dave

 

[sourland]

I concur with Centrarchid.

 

[azygous]

It's your choice. Just understand that either molt or incubating eggs alone takes a toll on the physical reserves of your hen. Both in tandem will take a double toll on your hen's overall health.

Make an informed choice.

 

[DaveMorehouse]

Thanks, Azygous. That is my concern also. This is the last year for this particular hen before the stewpot but I try to give my birds the best lives possible until that time. I feel I owe it to them for all they give back to me in eggs and, in the end, meat. I was wondering how many folks had gone through this with an old hen before and what the results were. Thanks again, Dave

 

[centrarchid]

I have done it numerous times with very old hens where they are certainly over five with some pushing 10 years of age. Those hens are breeding in hens whose job is to produce chicks. Ideally, for a variety of reasons, the chicks are hatched prior to start of summer but there are times when hatching late season clutches is desired. My broody protocol is to take them off a layer diet and provide them with a higher protein ration that is similar to diets used for mixed flocks. Protein content then is 20 to 22%.

I have three hens in the pipe now as broodies and three more expected to start in the next month. Once broodiness commences for a given hen, I make it easier for her to find a dust bathing station. Most of the hens will also come off nest for a treat when I can pop them with a more nutrient dense feed the other birds will not steal.

 

[DaveMorehouse]

My broody protocol is to take them off a layer diet and provide them with a higher protein ration that is similar to diets used for mixed flocks. Protein content then is 20 to 22%..

Thanks so much. She has chosen an old coop to sit in and I can lock her in - it has a a 2'x6' run - to keep the other birds out. We also rail a few quail and I can give her that feed for a protein boost. I didn't think about that issue. Thanks again, DAve